Welcome to the Neighborhood

by Ray Ochromowicz and Karianne Pejskar

It's not easy adjusting to a new community. Finding the local grocery stores, meeting new people, and settling into a new environment can be time consuming, but exciting.

To make the transition of moving a little more smooth, the Bolingbrook Park District has implemented a new marketing strategy that not only welcomes newcomers to Bolingbrook, but brings new members to its brand new Lifestyles Fitness Center and the Harbor Aquatic Facility.

The idea behind this strategy is to give new home buyers in the Bolingbrook area a two-year free family membership to the district's new indoor/outdoor aquatic park and fitness center.

Upon closing on their home, the builder/developer can congratulate the home buyer by presenting an envelope containing a welcome letter from the Bolingbrook Park District, a certificate redeemable for the two-year membership, and a detailed brochure of the fitness and aquatic facility.

By implementing this marketing strategy, all parties involved benefit.

• Use as a marketing strategy: "Your not only selling a home, you're selling a community."

• Able to offer enriched quality of life for the new home buyer through a gift valuable to both children and adults.

• Will feel the pride that comes from community support

• There is no cost to the developer/builder because the price is rolled into the price of the home.

• Shows the potential home buyer that the developer/builder has invested in the community.

• Receive a two-year family membership to the indoor/outdoor aquatic park and fitness center.

• The membership quickly introduces them to wholesome, fun activities.

• Saves the new resident time in discovering community assets and recreational opportunities.

• The home buyer and entire family immediately begin to develop new friendships and a sense of belonging.

• With the two-year deal, the resident beats inflation and price increases.

• New residents are quickly introduced to park district facilities and programs.

• Makes a positive first impression to the new resident

• The park district immediately becomes a focal point and important part of the life of a new resident

• The park district is now in an advantageous position when it comes to the resident's recreational choices.

40 • Illinois Parks & Recreation • Septembe/October 1996

The Bolingbrook Park District is actively pursuing developers planning to build new subdivisions in the Bolingbrook area to include the cost of a two-year membership into the base price of each lot or home built. Due to the volume of development in the area, the two-year membership cost of $1,000 per unit is discounted 50 percent. The developer's actual cost is $500 per unit.

The overall response has been positive in Bolingbrook. Two subdivisions, totalling more than 200 units, have participated and another subdivision of 519 units is in the process.

For further information about this marketing strategy, contact Ray Ochromowicz, director of parks and recreation for the Bolingbrook Park District. 630/739-0272.

Ray Ochromowicz is the director of parks and recreation for the Bolingbrook Park District. Karianne Pejskar is a freelance writer for the district and a senior in Communications at Brad ley University, Peoria, Illinois.

Welcome new Residents:

Relocating opens the door for many new adventures. A new home, new environment and new friends. Make the Bolingbrook Park District a part of your new experience by letting us serve your recreational and leisure needs.

Through the years we've been known as a responsive park district. As residents move out and new ones move in, we are challenged to keep abreast of any changing leisure interests.

We invite you to visit our facilities, introduce yourself and offer your ideas. Let us know what types of activities you enjoy. If we don't already offer them, we'll look into the possibility.

This letter entitles you to a complimentary two year family membership at our new fitness center and indoor and outdoor aquatic center located at 200 Lindsey Lane

Present it to the desk attendant to redeem your membership.

We are here to provide enjoyable opportunities for self-improvement and recreation to make your life in Boligbrook rich and rewarding.

If we can be of any assistance to you in this regard, call us

Sincerely,

Ray Ochromowicz, Director

Parks and Recreation

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